The Picayune Lady Maroon Tide defeated Brookhaven Thursday night in the first game of a best of three series, with a final score of 4-1.
Elizabeth Taggard pitched the game for the Tide striking out three batters. Picayune took control of the game early, and the Panthers were never able to battle back.
Catcher Alyssa Pinero and third baseman Megan Dudenhefer both singled in the first inning, and scored the first two runs of the game for Picayune.
Second baseman Lauren Walker singled in the second inning, and left fielder Sarah Walker scored the only run of the inning for the Tide making the score 3-0.
The Panthers had three quick outs in the top of the third inning, which brought Picayune back up to bat.
Dudenhefer singled in the third, and was able to score off shortstop Marissa McDonald’s double.
The Panthers tried to get something going in the top of the fourth inning with runners on first and second, but between Taggard’s pitching and the outstanding performance of the Tide’s outfield Brookhaven was not able to find a rhythm.
The Panthers only run of the game came in the seventh inning with a triple hit, which the batter was able to score on with the next play.
The Lady Tide finished with a final score of 4-1.
After the game, Head Coach Kristi Mitchell said she wants her team to go into their next game against the Panthers with a clear mind.
“Tomorrow is a new day, we need to come out ready to play,” Mitchell said. “They aren’t going to give us anything.”
The Lady Tide will play Brookhaven in the second game of the series Friday. Scores for the game will be included in Tuesday’s edition of the Item.
Picayune’s baseball team defeated Natchez Thursday night in their first playoff game, which is also a best of three series. The final score was 20-9, said head coach Cayne Stockstill. Peyton Lee led the team to the win on the mound. The second game in the series will take place today at Nachez. Scores will be included in Tuesday’s edition of the Item.